Under the general direction of the Head of Scientific Research, the Schorr Family Associate Research Scientist will:
Assist in providing analytical services for all curatorial departments and conservation divisions, as well as carrying out in-depth technical studies and other research related to the collections.
Assist with budget preparation and interpreting Museum policies, goals, and public outreach objectives.
Assist in planning for replacement of equipment and addition of new analytical capabilities.
Assist in developing connections with local university research facilities, which may house and make available for outside use specialized equipment that can be employed in the study of cultural heritage.
Assist in maintenance of in-house analytical equipment to ensure proper operation.
Assist in updating or adding records on a regular basis to the web-based database CAMEO, in conjunction with the database’s senior editor.
Essential Functions
Discuss requested scientific analysis projects with conservators or curators, developing analytical protocols and realistically addressing likely outcomes with respect to questions being posed.
Take samples from works of art using a wide range of techniques, prepare samples for specific analyses, interpret results, write reports in the project database, link reports to the collections database, and communicate results to conservators and curators.
Carry out non-invasive analyses, in addition or instead of sample-based analyses when possible.
Participate in substantive research on the Museum’s collections that will result in publications.
Give tours to guest scholars and other visitors.
Participate in Museum-sponsored public outreach programs, representing museum science to potentially very diverse audiences, from school groups to adults, and advocate with the MFA’s learning and community engagement staff for programs that incorporate science applied to cultural heritage.
In the absence of lab head, be responsible for operation of the lab.
Perform other duties as responsibilities necessitate.
Qualifications
Master’s degree or PhD in a scientific field, or cultural heritage science, plus at least five years of practical experience in cultural heritage scientific research, related specifically to in-depth examination and analysis of works of art.
Basic familiarity (but not necessarily extensive operating experience) with common analytical procedures, including optical microscopy, FTIR and Raman microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy with ED and WD detectors, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, GC/MS and pyrolysis GC/MS, visible/NIR/SWIR reflectance and reflectance imaging spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectrometry.
Some familiarity with art history.
Salary Range
$89,787 to $95,481
Full-Time Salary, 35 hours per week
This position is affiliated with the United Auto Workers Union.
Application materials must be received by July 12, 2024. For consideration, please submit letter of interest and résumé using the online portal. Additionally, two letters of recommendation must be sent to [email protected] by the respective author indicating clearly the applicant’s name and the Schorr Family Associate Research Scientist position. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
The MFA is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve is diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, the MFA does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment or promotion on the basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, handicap or disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
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